Best Places to Kayak Near Big Island, VA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Big Island, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Rivers13 Lakes2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Big Island

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Hardy Ford

Standout kayak fishing on Smith Mountain Lake

LakeBeginner31 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Halesford Harbor

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner30 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Lake Nelson

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, ada accessible

LakeBeginner30 mi away
a man surfing on a wave

Reed Creek Landing

Virginia · 1.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Snowden

Virginia · 4.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Glasgow

Virginia · 7.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Locker Landing

Virginia · 7.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Arcadia

Virginia · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

VMI Route 60 Bridge

Virginia · 14.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Buchanan

Virginia · 16.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Thrasher's Creek

Virginia · 16.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Stone House Creek

Virginia · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Mill Creek

Virginia · 18.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Horseshoe Bend

Virginia · 19.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Springwood

Virginia · 19.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Joshua Falls

Virginia · 20.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Robertson

Virginia · 22.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Craig Creek

Virginia · 24.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Irongate

Virginia · 27.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Nelson

Virginia · 29.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Alta Vista

Virginia · 29.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Halesford Harbor

Virginia · 30.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Walnut Run

Virginia · 30.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Bent Creek

Virginia · 30.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Leesville Dam #7

Virginia · 30.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Harbor Trail

Virginia · 30.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Waterwheel Marina

Virginia · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Webster Marine Center

Virginia · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Hales Ford

Virginia · 30.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Clifton Forge

Virginia · 31.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Hannabass Campground

Virginia · 31.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Hardy Ford

Virginia · 31.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Oak Grove

Virginia · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Big Island.

Coleman Falls, VA5 miNatural Bridge Station, VA8 miGlasgow, VA9 miMonroe, VA12 miNatural Bridge, VA12 miGoode, VA13 miLowry, VA14 miForest, VA14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Big Island, VA?

Top picks near Big Island include Hardy Ford, Halesford Harbor, Lake Nelson. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Big Island?

Near Big Island you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Big Island?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Big Island are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.